Laura man gets 8 years in prison

Yates guilty of gross sexual imposition

MIAMI COUNTY — Miami County Judge Pratt said she was at a loss for words before sentencing David Yates, 62, of Laura, to serve eight years in prison for two counts of gross sexual imposition.

“It’s just shameful,” Pratt said. “Words cannot express the court’s disgust of what you did.”

Last month, Yates entered a plea of guilty to an amended charge of two counts of third-degree gross sexual imposition in a plea agreement that drops the first-degree felony rape with no additional charges. Yates was also labeled as a Tier II sex offender. He also must serve five years of mandatory post-release control.

Judge Pratt said Yates used his alcohol abuse as justification for violating the female victim, who is under the age of 10.

“Your conduct was planned, purposeful and egregious,” Pratt said.

Pratt also said she hoped and prayed the victim would not let Yates’ actions affect her life.

Yates received 165 days of jail credit.

Last February, a family member reported that Yates had allegedly engaged in digital penetration multiple times with a female child who was under the age of 10 at his home in the 3000 block of Stauffer Road.

Yates’ home was set on fire on June 30, while he was in jail. The fire was believed to have been intentionally set. The house was unoccupied and there were no injuries. The alleged arson is still under investigation by the Miami County Sheriff’s Office.